Intrax Study Abroad: Semester in Australia

  Australia

• Sydney: 
Sydney

Term: Fall, Spring 
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Fall Semester (July - Dec); Spring Semester (Jan - July)

Description: Intrax Study Abroad: Explore Australia!

Learn:

The educational system of Australia is recognized worldwide. The range of subjects offered varies from school to school. Typical course subjects you will be studying include: foreign language (usually French or Asian languages), math, English, science and physical education. Some schools offer optional classes, such as music or computer science. Every school has a local representative who will help Intrax Study Abroad students choose appropriate subjects and organize their academic schedule on the first day of class.

The school year in Australia runs from January to November. However, the Intrax Study Abroad program is adapted so that Americans may spend an academic year in Australia from July to May. The school year is generally divided into four terms, with two week vacations between each term. Students also get six weeks off for "summer vacation" from the beginning of December through late January. Students are required to wear uniforms and the typical school day starts at 9:00 am and goes until 3:30 pm.

Experience:

The Australian lifestyle is very laid-back and friendly. Students enjoy the welcoming atmosphere as they become part of their new host family. Sports usually play a major role in the social life of Australian high school students. Cricket is the most popular national sport. However, many people enjoy other sports such as: soccer, Australian-rules football, rugby, basketball, cycling, bush walking (hiking), tennis, lawn bowling, golf, and water sports, such as surfing, swimming, and kayaking. Many girls learn netball, a game similar to basketball. Going to the beach and camping are common outdoor activities. Australians can be enthusiastic spectators as well; the Melbourne Cup horse race is actually a state holiday in Victoria!

Many students enjoy going to the movies. The Australian film industry is one of the largest and most successful in the world and is responsible for films such as "Muriel's Wedding," "Babe," "Rabbit Proof Fence," and "Strictly Ballroom." All of Australia's major cities have dance, theater, and symphony performances.

Program Requirements:

*15-18 years old.
*Motivated students with a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4 point scale.
*Mature, flexible, open-minded, and able to adapt to living with a host family. *Eager for the academic challenge of studying in a foreign school.
*US Citizen/Resident- living in the US.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2007

Highlights: On our semester long high school programs, you'll live with a host family, attend local high school, enjoy recreational activities in the afternoon and explore Australia - the world's largest island on weekends!

Cost in US$: Please visit our website for program fees

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Scholarships are Available. - Intrax Study Abroad offers several High School scholarships with the support of our partners. We also encourage students to help pay for their Study Abroad program by fundraising a portion of their program fees. Youth Leader Scholarship Awards of $200 to $1,000 are granted to high school study abroad applicants on the basis of academic merit, extracurricular involvement and financial need. Preference will be given to students who are involved in community service and have demonstrated their commitment to studying abroad by raising funds to help cover their high school study abroad program fees. Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2007

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Intrax Study Abroad's Mission Statement: Intrax Study Abroad is a premier youth exchange organization dedicated to international education and cultural exchange. Since 1980, as a part of Intrax Cultural Exchange, we've provided dynamic study abroad experiences for more than 40,000 students, enabling them to live and study all over the world for summer, semester and academic year programs.  Let us help you plan your Cultural Adventure!

Year Founded: 1980